The Excited Spin State of Dimorphos Resulting from the DART Impact

Abstract

High-fidelity numerical codes are essential for modeling the long-term spin evolution • DART may excite Dimorphos' spin, leading to attitude instability and chaotic tumbling• Dimorphos is especially prone to unstable rotation about its long axis • A chaotic spin state will affect the system's BYORP and tidal evolution • ESA's Hera mission may be able to place constraints on the system's tidal parameters